Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Joe and Jada - How Lil Wayne, Future, OutKast & Southern Hip Hop Took Over the Rap Game
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: This episode delves into the transformative impact of Southern hip hop on the broader rap landscape, featuring insightful discussions with Joe Crack and Jada Kiss.

Introduction to Southern Hip Hop’s Rise

The episode kicks off with Joe Crack and Jada Kiss reflecting on the evolution of Southern hip hop, emphasizing its independent roots and the pivotal role of key labels and artists in breaking into the mainstream.

Joe Crack (00:05):
"Hip hop was competition to me, but I always showed unconditional love to anyone coming into the game. Whether they made a billion or a hundred, I was happy for them."

Jada Kiss (00:12):
"The South kept it together more than New York. When money and ego started playing games in New York, the South maintained unity."

Influential Southern Labels and Artists

The duo explores the foundational labels that propelled Southern hip hop, highlighting No Limit, Cash Money, and Suave House as instrumental in shaping the genre.

Joe Crack (05:30):
"Suave House and Tony Draper were the first to open the door with Independent. They set the stage for Southern rap's independent spirit."

Jada Kiss (05:45):
"No Limit and Cash Money were game-changers. Touring with Cash Money was like the best of both worlds—merging East Coast and New Orleans vibes seamlessly."

Notable Mentions:

• Uncle Luke: Acknowledged for his significant contributions and political activism within the hip hop community.
• Lil Wayne: Celebrated as a cornerstone artist who bridged Southern and East Coast styles, maintaining longevity and influence.

Touring and Collaboration Dynamics

Joe and Jada discuss the collaborative atmosphere among Southern artists and the unity fostered during tours, contrasting it with the fragmented scene in New York.

Jada Kiss (12:10):
"During the Cash Money tour, they brought the whole family along—the buses were packed with relatives. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about community."

Joe Crack (12:25):
"In the South, everyone walked into each other's sessions. We were all collaborating, creating a supportive environment that was missing in New York."

Quote Highlight (14:50):
"With people power, there's nothing they can do against us. Once you have the people with you, you’re unstoppable." – Jada Kiss

Impact of Key Artists on the Rap Game

The conversation shifts to individual artists who have significantly influenced both Southern and national hip hop scenes.

Lil Wayne’s Influence (18:00):
Joe praises Lil Wayne for his versatility and relentless content production, drawing parallels to effective business strategies.

Joe Crack (18:15):
"Lil Wayne was dropping music like clockwork. Every month, something new. He knew how to keep the content flowing and the fans engaged."

Future’s Evolution (22:40):
Jada discusses Future's role in pioneering the "sing-rap" style, which has become a staple in modern hip hop.

Jada Kiss (22:55):
"Future pretty much created his own wave with the sing-rap approach. His work on 'Pluto' was transformative and still relevant today."

Southern Hip Hop’s Influence on New York and Beyond

The duo examines how Southern artists have shaped New York hip hop, citing Scarface and Lil Wayne as key influencers.

Joe Crack (30:20):
"Scarface and Lil Wayne have had the most significant influence on New York artists. Their styles and stories resonate deeply across the board."

Jada Kiss (30:35):
"It's a toss-up between Scarface and Lil Wayne when it comes to impacting New York's scene. Their authenticity and lyrical prowess set new standards."

Regional Highlights: Texas, Florida, and Memphis

Joe and Jada highlight the unique contributions of various Southern states, discussing notable artists and their regional impacts.

Texas Scene (35:50):
Joe emphasizes Texas as a powerhouse, mentioning artists like Bun B, UGK, and newer stars like Paul Wall and Johnny Dang.

Jada Kiss (36:05):
"Texas alone can sustain its own rap ecosystem. Artists like Johnny Dang have taken their influence global, embodying the state's entrepreneurial spirit."

Florida’s Contribution (39:40):
The conversation turns to Florida, spotlighting T-Pain’s underrated influence and the trap music pioneers like T.I. and Gucci Mane.

Jada Kiss (39:55):
"T-Pain’s auto-tune revolution didn’t get the mainstream credit it deserved. Similarly, Gucci Mane laid the groundwork for modern trap."

Memphis Spotlight (43:20):
Memphis is celebrated for its vibrant scene, featuring artists like Yo Gotti, Trina, and Rick Ross.

Joe Crack (43:35):
"Memphis brought raw energy to the South. Artists like Yo Gotti and Trina broke barriers and set new precedents for Southern women in hip hop."

Challenges and Future of Southern Hip Hop

The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges Southern hip hop faces, including industry dynamics and maintaining unity amidst growing commercial pressures.

Jada Kiss (50:10):
"As Southern hip hop continues to dominate, it's crucial to maintain the unity and collaborative spirit that made it successful in the first place."

Joe Crack (50:25):
"The game is evolving, but the foundational values of hustle and community in the South will keep shaping the future of rap."

Closing Thoughts (54:00):
Joe and Jada express optimism about Southern hip hop's continued influence and its ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Crack (00:05):
  "I never gave a fuck. Like, with me, realistically, I guess hip hop was competition."

• Jada Kiss (05:45):
  "No Limit and Cash Money were game-changers. Touring with Cash Money was like the best of both worlds."

• Jada Kiss (14:50):
  "With people power, there's nothing they can do against us."

• Joe Crack (18:15):
  "Lil Wayne was dropping music like clockwork. Every month, something new."

• Jada Kiss (22:55):
  "Future pretty much created his own wave with the sing-rap approach."

• Joe Crack (30:20):
  "Scarface and Lil Wayne have had the most significant influence on New York artists."

• Jada Kiss (36:05):
  "Texas alone can sustain its own rap ecosystem."

• Jada Kiss (39:55):
  "T-Pain’s auto-tune revolution didn’t get the mainstream credit it deserved."

• Joe Crack (43:35):
  "Memphis brought raw energy to the South."

• Jada Kiss (50:10):
  "As Southern hip hop continues to dominate, it's crucial to maintain the unity and collaborative spirit."

Conclusion

Joe Crack and Jada Kiss provide a comprehensive analysis of how Southern hip hop has not only influenced the genre but also reshaped the music industry's dynamics. From foundational labels to legendary artists, their discussion underscores the resilience and innovation driving Southern rap’s ongoing supremacy in the hip hop world.

For those new to the topic, this episode offers an engaging and informative exploration of Southern hip hop's pivotal role in transforming the rap game, blending historical context with contemporary insights.

Listen to the full episode on iHeartRadio or your preferred podcast platform.